The benefits of the European Union for Middlesbrough citizens go beyond those listed by your Westminster correspondent (Political Asylum, 29.1.05) who related these simply to university study.

For example, 47,044 employed people cannot be compelled to work for longer than 48 hours a week, except in certain industries. They are entitled to a minimum rest period of 11 consecutive hours a day, a rest break when working six hours or more, and four weeks' annual paid holiday. They also have the right to be consulted about major changes within their company.

The 12,701 people in part-time employment now have the same rights as full-time workers, including an equal hourly rate of pay, equal access to the company pension scheme, an equal amount of annual, parental and maternity leave on a pro-rata basis, equal access to training, and the same contractual sick pay.

Discrimination is prohibited on grounds of racial or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religious or other belief, and disability. Specifically, 10,323 people belonging to an ethnic minority are protected against discrimination in employment and training, education, social security, health care and goods and services access.

Working life is more family-friendly and provides a safer environment for children. The parents of 8,310 children aged 0-4 years can take up to 13 weeks' unpaid leave to take care of their child or children, and 21,706 children aged 5-15 years are protected by laws that ensure all coaches and minibuses are fitted with seatbelts.

Also, 84.88pc of part-time workers are women and benefit from the equal rights afforded to part time workers. This means 22,081 of Middlesbrough working women have the right to 26 weeks' maternity leave, are protected against discrimination in the workplace on gender grounds, and against having to work nights should they become pregnant.